Drivers' and Families' Weekend: Here Are the Highlights on September 19 and 20

To wrap up IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, drivers and their families take center stage this Saturday and Sunday.

The Drivers' and Families' Weekend features a diverse program of live music, hands-on activities, truck racing, test drives, and guided discovery tours hosted by German TV presenter Willi Weitzel. State-of-the-art commercial vehicles will meet historic classics, art, scale models, and activities for kids of all ages. IAA TRANSPORTATION is open on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

In the IAA Experience Area, a massive family adventure area awaits on both days. Kids and adults alike can look forward to an IAA bounce house, an XXL tubing slide, a bungee trampoline, giant foosball, and an Aerotrim astronaut trainer.

In front of Hall 26, kids can try their hand at driving a forklift on a dedicated mini-course and earn their very own "forklift driver's license." During the Blicki Giant Foosball tournament, kids will face off against truckers on Saturday, followed by "Kids vs. Mascots" on Sunday.

Right next to the adventure area, the open-air stage will set the mood with live music, entertainment, panel discussions, and information sessions. A beer garden and a chill-out lounge with seating, lawn chairs, and bean bags offer the perfect spot to take a break between events.

Reporter and TV host Willi Weitzel is taking families on a discovery tour through the world of commercial vehicles this weekend. On Saturday, he’ll explore topics like how art and trucks come together, talk with Christina Scheib about life as a truck driver, and join the big mini-truck convoy.

New technologies will also take center stage: At Stellantis Pro One, Willi Weitzel will dive into autonomous driving and the "Box on Wheels" concept vehicle. Kids will then share their own perspective on the world of transportation. Other stops on the tour focus on vintage commercial vehicles, megawatt charging, and blind spot safety.

On Sunday, Willi visits the pit area of the truck racing teams, tests the latest high-tech trucks, and travels back in time once more among the classic vintage vehicles. Another highlight shows how trucks become "kid taxis" during special events to support community charity efforts.

More than 30 detailed, fully functional model trucks built to roughly 1:13 scale will roll across the event grounds together on Saturday. The big mini-truck convoy sets off for its first round at 1:00 PM, followed by a second run at 3:30 PM, accompanied by the drumtrainer marching band.

Even more miniature vehicles are waiting to be discovered at the Automania Model Car Collector's Fair in Hall 14/15. The lineup ranges from scale model cars and trucks to construction machinery, slot cars, pins, automobilia, and specialized literature.

Four teams from the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship are bringing authentic motorsport excitement to IAA TRANSPORTATION. In the IAA Experience Area and the pit paddock, visitors can get up close and personal with the racing trucks. The teams will offer behind-the-scenes insights into technology, aerodynamics, telemetry, safety features, and their day-to-day life at the racetrack.

At the Actros L Art Edition, vehicle engineering meets art. This walk-in truck is being designed by Hanover-based artist Sven Liesy. On-site, he will be working live on additional motifs and inviting visitors to help style a ProCabin.

Inside the halls and across the outdoor activity zones, visitors can check out the newest commercial vehicles and cutting-edge technologies. Highlights include modern powertrains, driver assistance systems, digital features, and automated concepts. Visitors will also be able to step inside the driver's cabs of numerous vehicles.

For those who want to do more than just look and actually experience modern commercial vehicles on the road, the IAA Test Drives offer the perfect opportunity. A total of 84 vehicles will be available for guided test drives. Departure points are located at the main terminal in Hall 14/15, as well as brand-specific launch points in Halls 11 and 19/20. A valid driver's license for the respective vehicle class is required.

Professional truck drivers also have a dedicated hub: In the Driver's Area, the BGL, PROFI, and DocStop offer information, practical support, and a place to connect and network.

On both days, Daimler Truck, MAN, Scania, and Milence will demonstrate how heavy-duty electric trucks are charged using the Megawatt Charging System in Hall 14/15.

On Saturday, moderated live demonstrations take place at 10:00 AM with Daimler Truck, at 1:00 PM with MAN, and at 3:00 PM with Scania. On Sunday, presentations begin at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Expert hosts will explain the vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, and the vital role high-power charging plays in heavy-duty electric transport.

Along the Show Truck Mile in front of Hall 26, more than 20 historic commercial vehicles will be on display. Classics from Büssing, ERF, Hanomag, Henschel, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Neoplan, and Volvo will be showcased. Historic IAA footage and interviews with vehicle owners round out the exhibit.

In Hall 22, the International Truck of the Year 50th Anniversary Exhibition looks back on five decades of commercial vehicle history, showcasing around 20 award-winning trucks that document major milestones in modern truck development.

On Sunday, IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 comes to a close with a special shared moment: Starting around 3:30 PM, demo vehicles across the grounds will sound their horns simultaneously. This traditional final honk-off provides a resounding finale to six days packed with innovation, networking, and experiences shaping the future of transport and logistics.